StoryCorps' tricked-out Airstream rolls into Dallas to record memories for posterity

Tricked-out Airstream rolls into town to record stories for posterity

The StoryCorps MobileBooth trailer has traveled all around the United States collecting stories from everyday Americans.
Photo courtesy of StoryCorps

Interior of the StoryCorps MobileBooth trailer.
Photo courtesy of StoryCorps

If you've ever dreamed of telling your life story but never had anyone to listen, your wish has come true. StoryCorps, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to recording, preserving and sharing the stories of Americans, will record interviews in Dallas from November 20 to December 20 as part of its cross-country MobileBooth tour.

The StoryCorps MobileBooth — which is actually a converted Airstream trailer outfitted with a recording studio — will be located in Sammons Park in front of the Winspear Opera House for its month-long run.

StoryCorps is known for eliciting heartfelt, humorous and sometimes heartbreaking conversations.

Rather than just having one person come in and spill his or her guts to a complete stranger, StoryCorps' interviews are designed to be conducted between two people who know and care about each other, with a little help from a trained facilitator. StoryCorps is known for eliciting heartfelt, humorous and sometimes heartbreaking conversations.

Each interview lasts about 40 minutes, and participants can get a free CD copy of their interview. If they choose, a second copy can be archived at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress so that their stories can be heard for generations to come.

Additionally, StoryCorps is partnering with Dallas public radio station KERA, which will air a selection of the local interviews. There is also the possibility that segments of select interviews will air nationally on NPR's Morning Edition.

Since 2003, StoryCorps has traveled all over the country, collecting interviews from nearly 80,000 Americans in all 50 states.

"By strengthening connections between people and building an archive that reflects the rich diversity of American voices, we hope to build StoryCorps into an enduring institution that will touch the lives of every American family," StoryCorps founder Dave Isay said in a release.

People interested in sharing their stories can make a reservation starting at 10 am on Thursday, November 6, by calling 800-850-4406 or visiting Storycorps.org.

Although it's technically free to participate, StoryCorps suggests a donation of at least $25 in order to help offset its operating costs. Anyone who cannot afford the donation will still be allowed to participate for free.